The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) in Detroit continues to help Michigan families with heating and energy assistance in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. The nonprofit organization developed its Front Line Energy program to help essential front line workers pay outstanding utility bills. To qualify, these workers, as defined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, must be making up to 250 percent of the federal poverty level guidelines. THAW will help them pay outstanding utility bills of up to $500 per household, paying the utility vendor directly. THAW is also seeking donations for the program, which will be matched. Other sources of funding include a matching $40,000 donation from Enbridge Inc. and a portion of a $300,000 Consumers Energy donation. Across Michigan, 40 percent of households, or 1.54 million households, struggle to afford the basic needs of housing, including energy. More than 28,000 children and 4,800 seniors lived in households that received energy assistance last year. Of every dollar, 92 cents go to those in need.
Assistance for Front Line Workers
 in Detroit continues to help Michigan families with heating and energy assistance in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.){kind=link}